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Tom Lee Park ‘Flyway’ project seeks $1M from county to unlock $9.8M in other funding
Summary
Memphis River Parks Partnership presented the Flyway observation-deck concept for Tom Lee Park: a 60-by-180-foot ADA-accessible structure intended as a tourism draw. The project budget is $10.8M; the partnership seeks $1M from Shelby County to complete the construction match to federal and state grants.
Representatives from the Memphis River Parks Partnership briefed the commission on Phase 2a of Tom Lee Park — the Flyway — a signature ADA-accessible observation deck intended to be a tourism draw and an ecological amenity along the Mississippi River.
"We have reached our millionth visitor so far," Carol Coletta said, noting the park has been open slightly more than a year and already generates substantial visitation. Andrew Keepey described the Flyway as an observation deck 60 feet wide and 180 feet long sited at the park's southernmost point; the total project budget is $10,800,000. The partnership reported $9,800,000 in federal, state and private commitments so far, leaving a $1,000,000 construction funding gap that organizers asked the county to fill to unlock the Economic Development Administration's $3,700,000 federal grant and related state matching funds.
Commissioners asked about flood risk, construction timeline and economic impact. Keepey said the core steel is in fabrication and the team anticipates completion in January 2026 if water stages and supply lines remain within expected ranges; project leaders said their CMAR contract is structured to manage much of the construction risk. The presenters said the Flyway is projected to generate new visitors and overnight stays, translating to additional state and local tax revenue if the county and private partners fill the remaining match.
